Learn how to crochet a beanie hat with these step-by-step directions. This is a perfect crochet pattern for beginners because it uses only two crochet stitches – the half double crochet and the chain stitch. It starts with a magic circle that makes the top of the hat look professional – no gaps or holes. It is super easy and quick to make – total time, even for beginners is less than two hours.
This pattern crochets a hat from the crown to the band. It is a medium size with a 23″ circumference and is 7-inches tall.
Learn how to crochet a basic beanie hat for beginners with our step-by-step instructions – written for newbies to crochet!
How to Crochet a Hat
Learn how to crochet a hat with this step-by-step tutorial specifically written for beginners.
This pattern isn't just a bunch of abbreviations, but explains exactly how to crochet each row.
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Materials
- One skein of yarn, medium (4) weight
Tools
- 5mm crochet hook, size H
- Small scissors to cut yarn
Instructions
- Start your hat by making a magic circle. Learn how to make it with this step-by-step tutorial.
- Row 1: Chain two (2) stitches to form the beginning of the row. Then seven (7) half double crochet in the ring. The two chain stitches count as the first stitch. You'll now have eight (8) stitches in this first row. See detailed step-by-step directions for the half double crochet stitch. Here is the first row all crocheted.
- Next we'll close the row. Slip stitch the final stitch in the row to the first stitch in the row. Take your needle through that first stitch. Yarn over.
- Pull that through the two loops on your hook. The first row is complete. This is the way you'll finish each row.
- Row 2: Chain two (2) to begin the row. This lifts the row and forms that first stitch on the row. Do two (2) half double crochet stitches in each stitch. When you get to the end of the round, slip stitch through the top of the first stitch. You will now have 16 stitches.
Row 3: Chain two (2). In the first stitch, stitch two half double crochet stitches (hdc), then in the next stitch only stitch one half double crochet. Continue with this pattern for the rest of the row. The pattern is two hdc, one hdc for the row. Finished the row with the slip stitch shown in steps 3 and 4. You will now have 24 stitches.
Row 4: Chain two (2). In the first stitch, stitch two half double crochet stitches. In the next two stitches, only one half double crochet. Follow this pattern for the row: two hdc in one stitch, one hdc in next two stitches. Slip stitch at end of row. You will now have 32 stitches.
Row 5: Chain two (2). In the first stitch, stitch two half double crochet stitches. In the next three stitches, only one half double crochet. Follow this pattern for the row: two hdc in one stitch, one hdc in next three stitches. Slip stitch at end of row. You will now have 40 stitches.
Row 6: Chain two (2). In the first stitch, stitch two half double crochet stitches. In the next four stitches, only one half double crochet. Follow this pattern for the row: two hdc in one stitch, one hdc in next four stitches. Slip stitch at end of row. You will now have 48 stitches.
Row 7: Chain two (2). In the first stitch, stitch two half double crochet stitches. In the next five stitches, only one half double crochet. Follow this pattern for the row: two hdc in one stitch, one hdc in next five stitches. Slip stitch at end of row. You will now have 56 stitches.
Row 8: Chain two (2). In the first stitch, stitch two half double crochet stitches. In the next six stitches, only one half double crochet. Follow this pattern for the row: two hdc in one stitch, one hdc in next six stitches. Slip stitch at end of row. You will now have 64 stitches. - You have finished the increases to make the crown of the hat! Now we'll just do one half double crochet in each stitch in rounds to crochet the sides of the hat. I like to mark this point with a stitch marker. If you don't have a stitch marker, a safety pin works great!
- Continue adding rows and only crochet one half double crochet in each stitch with each row. You'll want to start each row with the two chain stitches, stitch the half double crochet in each stitch and then slip stitch the row to finish it. Do ten (10) more rows. By marking the start of these rows that form the sides of the hat you won't need to keep track. You can mindlessly just crochet and count at the end of each row!
- Now we'll finish the edge of the hat by doing a slip stitch around the edge. Just slip your hook under the next stitch and bring the loop back through the one loop on your hook.
- Here is the slip stitch in progress. You can see it just makes a nice finish to the edge of your hat.
- When you get to the end, cut your yarn with about a 5-inch tail. Pull the tail through your loop and then weave the ends into the back of the hat. Turn into the inside of your hat and weave the tail from the magic circle. Pull it tight before weaving. Look at how nice the top of your hat looks!
- Enjoy wearing your hat on a cool day!
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How do you start to crochet a hat?
The easiest way to start to crochet a hat is to use a magic circle. Using the magic circle makes it easy to pull the end of the yarn and close the gap in the crown of the hat. An option is to start with a few chain stitches formed in a round. With the chain stitch option, it is more difficult to crochet the first stitches and there is no way to close the small gap. See our article all about the magic circle.
Which crochet stitches are best for a beanie?
For this beanie, we only used the double half crochet stitch. We wanted this beanie crochet pattern
What type of yarn is good for crocheting a hat?
This pattern uses a medium weight yarn, which is referred to as a size 4 yarn. This is the most common for hats. If you choose to use a lighter weight or heavier weight, you’ll need to adjust your crochet hook size and the number of stitches in each row.
Browse through more crochet projects and inspiration on Create Whimsy.
